Correlation of radiomic features on dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance with microvessel density in hepatocellular carcinoma based on different models

OBJECTIVE: To explore the correlations of radiomic features of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) with microvessel density (MVD) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), based on single-input and dual-input two-compartment extended Tofts (SITET and DITET) models. METHODS: We compared the quantitative parameters of SITET and DITET models for DCE-MRI in 30 patients with HCC using paired sample t-tests. The correlations of SITET and DITET model parameters with CD31-MVD and CD34-MVD were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation analysis. A diagnostic model of CD34-MVD was established and the diagnostic abilities of models for MVD were analyzed using receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the quantitative parameters in the two kinds of models. Compared with SITET, DITET parameters showed better correlations with CD31-MVD and CD34-MVD. The K(trans) and Ve radiomics features of the DITET model showed high efficiency for predicting the level of CD34-MVD according to ROC analysis, with areas under curves of 0.83 and 0.94, respectively. CONCLUSION: Compared with SITET, the DITET model provides a better indication of the microcirculation of HCC and is thus more suitable for examining patients with HCC.